AustLit

'The announcement that Fr Bob Maguire had been recognised as the 2011 "Victorian of the Year" came as no surprise to those who know him. People from all walks of life, from all religious backgrounds and none, have seen in Fr Bob something of the compassion of Jesus of Nazareth for those in need of kindness, acceptance, forgiveness, generosity, hospitality and encouragement.Perhaps he might sometimes be somewhat intolerant of insincerity of any kind, but his decades of selfless work for the under-privileged and the homeless, both young and not-so-young, have rightly gained him the admiration of thousands; and he has, for many years, presented a face of the church that is realistic and credible to countless people whose links with Catholic Christianity were either non-existent or had been badly damaged.Enter his postman - an impious postie, Ron, who develops a unique friendship with the priest. During their sessions in the rectory, Fr Bob, with his long-legged poodle lolling in an armchair, tells his stories against the background noises of ringing telephones and the door bell constantly buzzing.Despite their friendship, this is no hagiography but a biography about the iconic priest.' Source: Libraries Australia. (Sighted 23/03/2012).